El Refugio (The Refuge)

Argentina | OM International

The neighbourhood, Las Violetas (The Violets), in Cordoba, Argentina has been referred to as a different country. Despite its inviting name, the streets are overrun with poverty, crime and drugs.  In response, OM Argentina purchased a house in the neighbourhood with the vision to provide a safe haven and a brighter future for its teens.   

“A friend once told me that poverty is the lack of options," explained OM Argentina leader Samuel Meza.  "You can see that clearly in Las Violetas — people don’t have options. We want to offer them a choice to do something different with their lives.”

The house, which the teenagers have affectionately named “El Refugio” (The Refuge), has become more than a safe place to hang out; it’s also a centre for learning. OM offers lessons in computer skills, English, mathematics, sports and Bible studies. The team  also set up a business microenterprise baking and selling pastries so that the young people can earn money while learning the value of hard work. OM staff have witnessed lives changed through the Gospel as a few of the teenagers have accepted the Lord.  

Pray for the impact that El Refugio is having in Las Violetas. Pray for the OM staff as they teach and spend time with the teenagers. Pray that God will continue to draw teens to El Refugio.

Credit: OM International
© 2008 OM International